SMP Racing did not pay in full for its sponsorship of the struggling backmarker Williams in 2018.

That is the claim of a Russian source at Moscow-based Echo Moskwa radio.

Last year, Russian Sergey Sirotkin raced for Williams with backing by SMP Bank's motorsport programme SMP Racing.

"They paid only part of the amount," the source, Marina Maksimowa, told Sportowe Fakty.

Williams is still struggling with its financial backing in 2019. Robert Kubica's sponsor PKN Orlen has been publicly critical of the team and is set to leave along with the Polish driver.

As for SMP Racing, the Russian source continued: "They decided that Williams' results were unsatisfactory and that they should not receive any more money."

The sponsor's dissatisfaction is apparently why Sirotkin left Williams at the end of the season.

"Sirotkin wanted to continue, even with Williams," Maksimowa said. "But they (SMP Racing) told him that there would be no more money."


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5 F1 Fan comments on “Former sponsor did not pay Williams in full

    • ReallyOldRacer

      Yeah, I agree, sounds like Claire negotiated a lousy contract if they could just walk away. I'm sorry to see Williams have problems but it is probably past time to consider management changes. Sir Frank, Ron, Ken, Colin and yes, Bernie, built the foundation. It is sad to see the last one of the bunch fading into the twilight.

  1. Pam

    All posters on here crying about William's failure and the good old day need to wake up!!

    William's is not what it was esp since the real skilled team boss who could do strategy ( Ginnie ,Frank's wife) passed away- bless her!

    • ReallyOldRacer

      Pam, we old farts ARE wide awake, and hate to see the current tack of our sport. As for Williams, they don't need strategy...they need to build a friggin' car that works. Strategy has nothing to do with their being 3 seconds off the pace.

  2. Pam

    True,Paddy did not do the car the service it required!added to the lack of effective leadership it has gone downhill.

    Pity because Claire is a female boss and her results dont do much to celebrate 'girl power'.


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